R. DAVIS YOUNTS
Violent Crimes
CHARGED WITH A CRIME OF VIOLENCE? HERE’S THE HELP YOU NEED
Crimes of violence, as you probably know, are the most severely-punished crimes in the Pennsylvania criminal justice system. Anyone who is charged with a crime of violence must seek effective legal help at once by contacting the right Lemoyne criminal defense attorney.
Pennsylvania’s criminal courts have no tolerance for violent crime. A conviction for a crime of violence may be penalized with time in jail, or in the most serious cases, with a number of years in a state prison. Pennsylvania categorizes these crimes and other crimes as crimes of violence:
- Rape, kidnapping, and arson endangering others are considered first-degree felonies.
- Statutory sexual assault, indecent assault, and some burglaries are categorized as second-degree felonies.
- Institutional sexual assault of a minor, carrying a gun without a permit, and making terroristic threats are considered third-degree felonies.
- First-degree, second-degree, and third-degree murder are, as you might imagine, also categorized as violent felonies in this state.
WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES?
What are Pennsylvania’s maximum penalties for violent crime convictions? A conviction for first-degree murder may be penalized with life in prison or with the death sentence. Other penalties for crimes of violence include:
- for second-degree murder, life in prison
- for a first-degree felony, up to twenty years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines
- for a second-degree felony, up to ten years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines
- for a third-degree felony, up to seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines
Aggravating circumstances and previous convictions can make a sentence for a violent felony even harsher in Pennsylvania. If an offender has two or more prior convictions for violent crimes, the court – by law – must send the offender to prison for at least twenty-five years.
HOW ARE HOMICIDES HANDLED IN PENNSYLVANIA’S COURTS?
In every state, first-degree murder is defined as intentional, premeditated killing. Second-degree murder in Pennsylvania is usually the charge for a homicide committed during the commission of another crime such as a burglary or an armed robbery.
A third-degree murder is any other intentional killing where there is no evidence that a defendant acted in the heat of passion or without criminal intent. When there’s evidence that a defendant killed in the heat of passion or without criminal intent, the homicide is charged as manslaughter.
Voluntary manslaughter is an intentional killing, without lawful justification, usually committed in “the heat of passion.” Although it is a violent felony, someone with no criminal record who is convicted of voluntary manslaughter could receive a sentence of less than five years in prison.
WHAT’S THE MOST COMMON CRIME OF VIOLENCE?
Assault is the most common violent crime in Pennsylvania. The mere threat of violence constitutes assault – actual contact isn’t required. “Simple” assault is a misdemeanor, but a conviction for felony aggravated assault may be penalized with up to twenty years in prison.
Domestic violence crimes are not categorized as separate crimes in Pennsylvania, but if an act of violence against a sexual partner or a household or family member is reported, Pennsylvania law requires the police to make an arrest, and only a prosecutor – not a victim – may drop the charge.
CHARGED WITH A VIOLENT CRIME IN LEMOYNE? WHERE CAN YOU TURN FOR HELP?
If you are prosecuted for a violent crime, a jail or prison sentence is probable, so you’re going to need serious legal help immediately. Lemoyne criminal defense attorney R. Davis Younts has represented clients charged with assault and virtually every other crime of violence.
He knows what it takes to defend you effectively against the most serious criminal charges.
If you are charged with assault or with any other violent crime in Cumberland or Dauphin County or adjacent jurisdictions, attorney R. Davis Younts can review the charge or charges against you, address your concerns, and fight aggressively for the justice you need and deserve.
R. DAVIS YOUNTS PROVIDES AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE REPRESENTATION
Attorney R. Davis Younts aggressively fights for those accused of violent crimes in military, federal, and Pennsylvania state courts. He has eighteen years of legal experience. He is a former prosecutor, JAG (Judge Advocate General), and Senior Defense Counsel in the U.S. Air Force.
Attorney R. Davis Younts will seek to have a felony charge against you reduced or dismissed while simultaneously preparing to take your case to trial. He will find any weaknesses in the case against you, cast doubt on the state’s evidence, and bring the case to its best possible resolution.
If you are charged with any crime of violence in the state of Pennsylvania, call defense attorney R. Davis Younts right away at (833) 739-5291 or (717) 612-4840. If your freedom and your future are on the line, you must have the right lawyer fighting on your behalf. And the right lawyer is R. Davis Younts.
